In the course of the takeover of Oakley by the Italian Luxottica Group, there will be some restructuring in Europe in spring/summer 2008. With the establishment of a separate Oakley subsidiary in Zurich this summer, the two sales companies in Paris and Munich will be merged to form a joint European central office. With the exception of the sales company in the UK, all European countries will be adapted to the new conditions on the same terms.

The sales channels will be divided into a sports and an optical division. From May 2008, the specialist optical trade (prescription and eyewear) will be served under the management of the Luxottica Group. The new Oakley European headquarters in Zurich will therefore take care of sales for the sports trade (eyewear and clothing) as well as all marketing matters. Andreas Haack will continue to act as Sales Manager for the Sports division based in Munich and will be responsible for Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Poland. The manager structure at Luxottica Germany will be reorganized.

"The restructuring was an important step for our company," says Christian Grund, Managing Director of Munich-based Oakley GmbH. "We are certain that Oakley will benefit from these changes. The restructuring means little change for retailers, as the sales force will remain in its current position." The sales structures are to be implemented by the middle of the year. The existing Oakley GmbH mono stores will remain under the care of the Oakley head office, but will continue to be managed by Retail Manager Sandra Mühln in Munich. Further stores are already being planned.

By locating its European headquarters in the Swiss capital, Oakley hopes to optimize customer service, improve international connections and position the brand even more strongly as an innovative cult brand within Europe. In addition, Oakley GmbH will further expand its position as a performance brand, particularly with regard to its pioneering role in the eyewear sector.

Source: Press release